A bin lorry driver got a shock when the back of his vehicle caught fire as he drove through Huddersfield town centre this morning.

Passers-by in Northumberland Street gesticulated at the driver to stop as a blaze took hold of the lorry at 9.30am.

The lorry driver pulled over and fire crews arrived.

One motorists who was behind the lorry said: “I saw it on Byram Street and Northumberland Street.

“There was smoke coming out of the back and then an orange flash of flames.”

Huddersfield Fire Station crew commander Kerry Blomfield said: “The bin wagon had been collecting rubbish in the back and something had set a fire.

“It could have been triggered by a stray cigarette or as the driver suggested another possibility is that an aerosol can reacted after it had been crushed.

Fire engines arrive in Huddersfield town centre
Fire engines arrive in Huddersfield town centre

“It took us around 10 to 15 minutes to put it out.”

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “The Fire Service attended a refuse vehicle in Huddersfield town centre yesterday morning to put out a fire.

“The fire started in refuse in the back of the truck which collects waste mainly from commercial properties.

“The vehicle was taken back to the depot once the fire was extinguished but the damage is thought to be minor. There were no injuries.

“It isn’t known what caused the fire but the council is urging customers to be careful what they put out for collection.”

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